Email Accessibility Best Practices

If sending an email that includes an image (JPG, TIF, GIF, PNG) with text in it, such as an event announcement, all the words included in the image should be typed in plain text below the image. This will ensure that anyone using a screen reader or other assistive technology will be able to translate/read the email. Below is an example with instructions for creating an accessible email using an image with text in it.

Step 1: Add Alt Text on the Image*

• Insert the image into the body of the email
• Right click on the image
• Choose Format Picture
• Click the Layouts & Properties Icon
• Choose Alt Text
• Add the following into the DESCRIPTION field: Information to follow

*Currently adding alt text does not work in the web version of Outlook. If you are unable to use the desktop version of Outlook, skip to Step 2

Step 2: Add Plain Text to the Body of the Message

• Type all of the information available in the image/graphic in plain text below the image

For questions or assistance, email access@sacredheart.edu.